France is preparing to deploy about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country on Saturday amid fears of renewed unrest following violent protests and looting last weekend.
Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez announced the security operation on Friday, saying it would involve specialised police units, helicopters, drones, armoured vehicles and water cannons.
The planned deployment represents an increase of 10,000 personnel compared with the previous weekend, as authorities seek to prevent a recurrence of the violence reported in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities.
The protests initially erupted over the rising cost of living, pressure on public services and conditions in schools.
However, demonstrations held last Saturday deteriorated into looting, vandalism, fires and confrontations between protesters and police officers.
In response, authorities have imposed restrictions on demonstrations or banned them entirely in several cities. Some prominent cultural institutions in Paris, including the Louvre, are also scheduled to close on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
Nuñez warned that security personnel would take a firm stance against violence, attempts to loot businesses and attacks on public buildings.
The expanded security operation comes amid criticism of the government’s response to last weekend’s unrest and growing concerns that demonstrations planned across France could trigger further clashes.
France deploys 70,000 security personnel ahead of fresh protests